Please tell me how to breath during labour.

[mameulah]

For various reasons the maternity staff being overworked delivering our pfb was unnecessarily stressful. On top of all the usual labour pains.

Our second born is due any day now and I so, so want to understand better how to breathe throughout the whole process. I have read lots but am not confident that I really know.

Any top tips?

They would be much appreciated!

[LynetteScavo]

Any baby yet?

[riskit4abiskit]

I can't even remember breathing when I was in labour, and it was fine honest!

[riskit4abiskit]

I can't even remember breathing when I was in labour, and it was fine honest!

[stargirl1701]

I visualised a boat on a pond and my breath was long and slow to push the sail away from me. I also used visualising a feather on my palm and long, slow breaths to make it float away.

I didn't get to grips with the short, sharp breaths to visualise blowing out candles but you can use that stop pushing.

[stargirl1701]

Oh, and I also used chanting.

Ahhhh, o, mmmmmmm

[MarrogfromMars]

Another recommendation for Juju Sundin book here but I didn't do any special breathing techniques. DC1 I did mutter 'Breathe! Breathe!', focusing on a picture in front of me, then shouted it and then ended up going 'Rraorgh' or something. DC2 I started focusing on some text and wrote it on my palm with my finger with every contraction until quite a way gone (also got very shouty again!). So I think whatever helps you feel in control and distracts you from panicking is good - there's no 'right' way for anything.

[BentleyBelly]

Rectangular breathing worked brilliantly for me. Picture a rectangle, breathe in through your nose along short side and out through your mouth along long side. Combine with standing up leaning on something, back of sofa, wall, bed and swaying. Really helps. Good luck x